Vowles: Mercedes 'not the right place' for Verstappen

As speculation continues to swirl around Max Verstappen’s long-term future at Red Bull, Williams team principal James Vowles has chimed in on the topic, holding the view that Mercedes is not the right place for the Dutchman.

Although Verstappen’s stunning victory at Suzuka earlier this month showcased his brilliance, a lackluster Bahrain Grand Prix sparked crisis talks at Red Bull, fueling rumors about the four-time world champion’s next move.

With Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko admitting “great concern” over the activation of an exit clause in Verstappen’s contract, Mercedes has emerged once again as a possible destination for Verstappen.

The Brackley squad certainly has the financial resources and historic credentials to attract the Dutchman, but Vowles, who spent years at the Silver Arrows outfit before taking the reins at Williams, believes Verstappen’s presence could disrupt the carefully nurtured balance within the team.

“I think there is more performance to be added through Max,” Vowles acknowledged during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend. “I don't think anyone in the room would deny that he is extraordinary in what he can do, and Japan was, for me, jaw-dropping.”

“Well done to him but he comes with a lot of downsides as well that we have to acknowledge and I think what Mercedes does have is a great culture with two drivers that are delivering near to the peak of the car, and with one that's on the way up.

“So I personally don't think that's a place for him.”

Russell and Antonelli the Focus for Mercedes

Verstappen’s fiery history with current Mercedes driver George Russell – including high-profile clashes in Qatar and Abu Dhabi – only adds to the skepticism about a potential pairing.

Russell is reportedly nearing a contract extension, and young prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli is already being groomed as the team’s next big star.

Asked directly if Verstappen and Russell could share a garage without friction, Vowles was blunt.

“I don't think so – I think they're two very different characters.”

• Read also: Russell has ‘literally no stress’ over Mercedes future

Vowles instead championed the future Mercedes already has in motion. His faith in Antonelli, whom he mentored closely at Mercedes, was clear.

“I'm not Toto [Wolff, Mercedes boss] – but I think he's got a really good driver line-up for the future. I think with Kimi – and I'm biased because I worked with him for a long period of time – if you just look at the steps he is making in qualifying, he's making steps every single week and he's only driven effectively four grand prix races.”

“He's on a good pathway to being very, very competitive, so you keep investing in that, and George is delivering. You can't really fault [him]; I mean, he's been a bit quiet, but you can't really fault anything he's done this year.”

As Verstappen’s future remains a talking point in every paddock media session, Vowles’ comments underscore a growing sentiment: while Verstappen’s talent is undoubted, not every top team believes his arrival is worth the accompanying turbulence.

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